Observations and reflections on designing one's nest and one's life

Jan 02, 2011

I'm sure many of you have heard "decorating experts" encourage people not to be afraid of color. Recently, when working on a friend's bathroom we were talking with the tile showroom's sales person who made a comment about how we should put color and the wall and not go with "vanilla". An undertermined "off white" is what we will use but, I am always amazed when people think that going with "white" is playing it safe.

Color or lack there of is a personal preference. It really isn't any different than what kind of food you prefer, or kinds of books you like to read. Personally, I tend toward neutral walls for my living spaces and create interest with furnighings and accents. Let it be said I am not against color. I love color but. I need to use it where it feels comfortable to me. Think about what colors and to what extent the use of color you are comfortable with when decorating your spaces.

One of the best tips I can offer is, when choosing a wall color DO TEST SWATCHES!!! The best way is to paint a sample on a piece of cardboard or posterboard. This way you can move the sample to different walls at different times of day. It will look different every time!

Dec 20, 2010

My right brain has been begging for some "me time" so, I said enough of figuring out all this email and website logistics. I made myself a cup of coffee (with eggnog) and took a big sniff of my essential oil Creative Juice blend and here I go.

Given the season, I thought it timely to write about the holidays. The other day when visiting my grandkids,my mom commented about how she loved to look at peoples' Christmas trees. It dawned on me what a signature "decoration" the Christmas tree is. They are as unique and varied as we are and I suspect there is an unspoken pride when it comes to how we feel about our finest holiday trimming.

I remember my brother's Godmother telling my mom how badly she felt her having to have such ugly Christmas trees. Marie never had any children, her house was immaculate including the garage. Her reality was so different from the rest of the families in the neighborhood. Uncle Wells would triple flock her tree and decorate with the ornaments and gift wrap all in a coordinating color theme. They looked as though they were part of Macy's holiday displays. Marie passed away earlier this year but, will forever remain in our hearts.

My parents, with 3 kids in tow would head out to the lot and choose that perfect tree. Those special ornaments given every year by my grandma and Marie grew in number as we got older. Our masterpieces made in school that year would eventually be retired. I was an expert tinsel thrower following my mom's example. My brothers' "clumps" always needed some adjusting. In my eyes we always had the most beautiful tree.

My kids started the tradition of having their own little trees in their rooms. As we waited for family members to arrive Christmas morning they would have their own, private little gift exchange which comprised of recycled possessions when they were young to "real" gifts as they got older. Those trees represent so much more than a Christmas decoration. For me they are a symbol of the love my children have for each other. That bond still exists between them and is one of life's biggest gifts to me.

Nov 13, 2010

I knew who I was 6 months ago. Right now, not so sure. Since deciding to close my store and re-invent my business I spend a lot of time "in my head". Some things about who I am will never change- wife, mother, GG (grandma), friend etc. Oddly enough, what I used to think defined me the most was being owner of The Feathered Nest. Opening my store was the best thing I allowed myself to do. The entire experience was so fulfilling and such a confidence builder.

Now, I find myself doubting my ability to find fulfillment in my next experience. In my head I know that is absurd. The reality is, being a store owner wasn't who I "was", it was what I "did". The time came when I realized I wanted to be doing something different. So, here I am, trying new things, blogging being one of them. The best advice I can give myself (and anyone else doubting themselves) is just do what you want to be doing. Don't worry if it is not the best, perfect or what you thought it would be. There is safety in dreaming but, when you "do" your dream and it's all you imagined it to be, it is bliss.

I want my blog to be an inspirational source for life and home. I see it as being somewhat like a journal that I allow others into, hoping that they might take away a little something that makes them feel good. Let me start by showing you what makes me feel good... my animals.

Three of my girls were running along the fence where ever my dog Addie went. It was almost as if they were wanting to chat a bit with her.

These 2 little ladies are Dottie and Coco. They are visiting for now and will hopefully be mine some day. They are the sweetest little things. I love the smell of them! I hold their face and take a big sniff on their nose.

Murphy, Max and Matilda when they were babies. I became a pro at bottle feeding. I could feed all 3 at the same time. The problem was Max always finished first and then would push his sweet little sister away and want hers. To this day he is a little devil but, I love all 3 and their different personalities.

Last but, certainly not least, Madison and Cheddar. Every night Cheddar cuddles with me on the chaise and then Madison cuddles on Cheddar. Recently Cheddar went blind due to high blood pressure we didn't know he had. It broke my heart but, he is adjusting. He is the greatest cat I have ever had and everyone that sees him falls in love.

May 21, 2010

I have long admired beautiful gardens and those with a knack for creating those enchanting spaces. I remember a childhood friend's mother who was quite the gardener. I always think of her when I see Marigolds. Although I have dabbled in dirt I still consider myself a novice gardener. A number of years ago my friend Erin, brother Eric and I went to the garden show in San Francisco. It was so inspiring that we decided on the spot that we should start a gardening club! Eric immediately named himself President. We never did start that club.

This is the 2nd spring in our new home. Last year we built raised beds where I planted mostly vegetables I started from seed. I was disappointed in my tomato harvest so I didn't go the seed route this year. I will revisit the "starting from seed" thing again but, this year I am buying plants already started. We have built a picket fence around the beds for aesthetics and to keep certain animals out (my dog and possibly some baby doll sheep but, we still need to check into that) and we plan on laying brick around the beds.

There are a lot of things to take into account that make gardening more challenging for me than decorating the inside of the house. Sun exposure, soil conditions, climate zones, not to mention size of these sprouts when they are all grown up! I have devoted one bed to flowers. For some reason I find growing flowers more intimidating than vegetables. I think it is because vegetables, although beautiful in their own right, aren't necessarily grown for the beauty you expect from a flower garden. My approach to the flower bed is going to be one of experimentation. Part science, part design, I am choosing plants I think will work out and ones I am curious about. It is a work in progress, adding new finds from my frequent trips to the nursery. If you are intimidated by gardening I invite you to follow along with an experiment of your own. It doesn't have to be large, you could try some container planting to start. If you are an experienced gardener I welcome your tips and insight.

Here are some tips I suggest and plan to do myself-

Don't overwhelm yourself. If you go to the nursery and can only decide on 1 or 2 plants that's OK. You can always add but, at least you've taken a step.

Start with a manageable project and (I mean this in the nicest way) maybe don't make it a focal point if there is the chance that it will mess with your confidence.

Have some resource books or look online for info on the types and care of plants that interest you. Pictures are helpful to see what to expect when mature. Also, don't be afraid to ask the nursery staff for help and recommendations.

Record your efforts. Start a garden journal and calendar. This is something I have not done yet, but will do starting now. It can be as simple as printing out info/photo about the plants you have chosen and making notes right there. I always think I will remember what I planted, how it grew and even what future maintenance it will need but, I don't. Just the other day I pulled up what I thought were dead plants and then realized they were the Dahlia bulbs from last year. Oops!

Relax and enjoy! It is an experiment not a test and you don't get graded, only rewarded with beauty and confidence.

May 10, 2010

I'm embarrassed to say it has been over a month since announcing the start of my blog spot and I haven't posted anything else since. I must admit that part of that was due to feeling that what ever I posted wouldn't be as good as I would like it to be. I did consider not going ahead with this but, that would be silly! Things don't always start out great. I need to begin and enjoy the process of learning something that interests me. Boy, those first few steps can be intimidating! But, I figure nothing ventured nothing gained. Preparing for our Spring Barn Sale which took place May 1st did take up some of my time as well but, that was two weeks ago so, now I don't have any more excuses. The Feathered Nest 3rd Barn Sale

The Feathered Nest Barn Sales came about last year as a way to sell some pieces that were not going to work in the house my husband and I had recently bought. Long story short, I invited some friends to sell their craft wares at my "barn sale" and it was so well received by vendors and customers, that we knew we couldn't stop with just one. Our second event was great despite the thunder and sprinkles we had from some freak storm. I knew our third show would be the best yet and it was.

The success of these events is due to many things but, the most important is the efforts of Stephanie Sherratt. Stephanie's experience with other shows and her connections with many talented women not to mention she is just a great person, is the reason we started with such a bang. To be a part of this experience and being able to offer a venue for these artists has been very rewarding. Meeting so many talented women (and Gary, the "birdhouse guy") gives me insight to many ideas for things to come. It has prompted me to take up crafting and sewing again which I haven't done since opening my store eleven years ago.

We are already in the planning stages for our Fall Barn Sale. Perhaps I
will try out some new crafts by then! Take a peek at the article written by Holly White-Wolfe for Sonoma County Parenting Examiner to learn more about some of the artists that participated in the event.

I promise not to take so long for the next post, assuming anyone is looking. Pam

Apr 02, 2010

It is funny to think we take more than one "first step". There is the step we take as a baby, which is truly a "step" and then there are the steps we take in our minds and in our lives which are really moments when we allow ourselves to explore new aspects of life. Often, these steps are taken with a fear of the unknown. Will we trip along this path? Have we followed the signs correctly? Will we be met with approval or disapproval along the way? As I write this I am reflecting on the the last week in which I have literally fallen 3 times and I am not a clumsy person! Each time could have been serious, yet, I got up, took a breath and carried on. So as I take a breath, I invite you to follow along as I share my love of decorating and my exploration of topics relating to home and self that are peaking my interest.